The Tualatin Hills Nature Park showcases much of the natural beauty available to enjoy in Beaverton with more than five miles of improved trails through dense forest. Beaverton offers a park and trail system, the Westside Regional Trail, for hikers and bikers. Doug Beghtel, The Oregonian

Because of the location of the connection, the district is still finalizing land-use agreements with TriMet, the Oregon Department of Transportation and Portland & Western Railroad, said René Brucker, a park planner for the district.

The trail would offer commuters a "really direct route" from the Merlo Road MAX Station to the Tualatin Hills Nature Park, said Steve Gulgren, superintendent of planning and development for the district. It would also avoid impacting wetland and trees in the area.

The board also unanimously approved a $998,000 plan to implement energy-saving measures on district property.

Hillsboro is one of 20 finalists for Bloomberg Philanthropy's Mayors Challenge, a nationwide contest to find innovative solutions to national problems on a local level. Some 305 cities applied for the challenge, paid for through the New York City mayor's philanthropic organization. The finalists were revealed Monday and city leaders are "absolutely elated" to be in the running for the $5 million grand prize.